By Dennis Bowling
Peotone Boys Varsity Football Coach Tolly Tsiamas has high expectations for the Blue Devils junior quarterback Ruben Velasco. Tsiamas tossed plaudits of praise at Velasco about the upcoming season on August 8.
“Ruben had a great summer,” said Tsiamas. “I was very impressed with how he has picked things up.”
“Ruben is able to deliver the ball on time and has a command of the huddle,” he said. “I like where he is with the offense starting this season.”
Last season, the Blue Devils finished with a 5-4 overall mark, then lost in the opening round of the Class 3A IHSA State Tournament.
Currently, Tsiamas has seven highly touted players who are returning from last year’s squad. This should help the Blue Devils have a very successful campaign, which should include a trip to the Class 3A State Tournament.
The Blue Devils returning players include seniors 5-foot-11 running back, free safety, Colin Emsweller, 5-8 linebacker, running back, Chris Pagliarulo, 6-3 offensive and defensive lineman Landen Hamm, and 5-10 offensive lineman Jacob Ward.
“Colin is a key returning player,” said Tsiamas. “He has great knowledge of the game, but we need him to step up his game. Chris is a lock down defender for us and did a great job. He will do a better job this season.”
“Landen is a real force on both sides of the ball,” said Tsiamas. “He is a very smart football player and is very physical, too. Jacob also needs to step up his game.”
Peotone’s returning juniors include 5-foot-11 safety Chase Rivera, 6-foot-3 wide receiver, linebacker Rorey Hart, and 5-foot-10 full back, linebacker Jayden Rodriguez.
“Chase has worked very hard in the weight room,” said Tsiamas. “He is a very experienced runner for us and is ready to take the next step. We just need him to be a physical blocker on offense and be a ball hawk on defense. He is really coming into his leadership role, which I like.”
“Rorey has that big play ability,” said Tsiamas. “He is the most likable and coachable player I have had.”
“Jayden has a real edge to his game,” said Tsiamas. “I like what he can do at the fullback position, plus he brings a real edge to our defense.”
Coach Tsiamas is looking for contributions from senior tight end, linebacker Tyler Hopper and running back and linebacker Ian Kreske. The juniors include offensive and defensive lineman Evan Lonard, plus running back and linebacker Abel Cano.
“They will be new starters,” said Tsiamas. “We need them to play like varsity players. They are a young and inexperienced group, so the sooner they can play at the varsity level, the better off we will be.”
Tsiamas, who is entering his ninth year, is taking a wait and see attitude about the first two games of the season. Peotone will open its season playing host to Rantoul on August 25, at 7 p.m. Then the Blue Devils will play at Sandwich on August 31, at 6:30 p.m.
“I just need time to see how we play in weeks one and two,” he said. “That should tell me a lot about my team.”
Look for the Blue Devils to do exceptionally well in both games, which will set the tone to have a banner campaign.
Way to go, Landon!!!